British Airways American Express® Premium Plus Card
British Airways American Express® Premium Plus Card is a credit card that combines premium travel rewards with an array of benefits aimed at frequent travellers.
It is crafted to help users earn Avios on everyday spending, while providing additional perks when booking with British Airways and BA Holidays. With a generous welcome offer and a structured rewards programme, the card is tailored for those who are passionate about exploring the world and value quality travel experiences.
The card comes with a host of features including accelerated Avios earning rates, a Companion Voucher for enhanced travel flexibility, and access to travel protection insurance.
Additionally, its flexible instalment plans under the Plan It scheme allow cardholders to spread the cost of larger purchases with a fixed fee structure. These attributes make the card a notable option for individuals looking to maximise their travel rewards while managing their credit efficiently.
Benefits
The card’s benefits focus on providing superior rewards on travel-related spending along with practical features that support everyday financial needs. Its rewards structure and exclusive offers are designed to reward loyalty and frequent use, especially on purchases with British Airways or BA Holidays.
Cardholders also gain access to additional benefits such as travel insurance and flexible repayment options, making it a compelling choice for those who travel often.
Key benefits include:
- Earn 3X Avios on every £1 spent on British Airways and BA Holidays purchases.
- Earn 1.5X Avios on all other purchases, boosting overall rewards.
- A welcome offer of 30,000 bonus Avios when spending £6,000 within the first three months.
- A Companion Voucher awarded when spending £15,000 in a Cardmembership year.
- Up to 90,000 bonus Avios available annually through friend referral incentives.
- Access to comprehensive travel protection and flexible instalment plans with Plan It.
Prerequisites
Before applying for the British Airways American Express® Premium Plus Card, potential applicants must meet several eligibility criteria. Applicants should be aged 18 or over, hold a current UK bank or building society account, and have a permanent UK residential address.
A clean credit history with no record of bad debt is essential. Additionally, potential cardholders should note that if they have held a personal American Express card in the previous 24 months, they will not be eligible for the welcome bonus offer.
About American Express
American Express is a long-standing financial institution with a global presence and a history that spans over 160 years. Known for its commitment to excellent customer service and innovative financial products, American Express has built a reputation for reliability and trustworthiness in the industry.
The company has continually evolved its offerings to meet the diverse needs of its customers, particularly in the realm of premium travel and rewards programmes. Its experience in managing credit products and its dedication to delivering quality services have made it a respected name in the financial world.
About Avios
Avios is the reward currency of the British Airways Executive Club and its partners, earned through flights, hotel bookings, online shopping, and everyday purchases. Collected points can be exchanged for trips, luxury stays, or unforgettable experiences, turning routine spending into travel opportunities.
Who is this card for?
This card is ideally suited for frequent travellers and individuals who frequently incur travel-related expenses.
It is designed for those who wish to earn significant rewards in the form of Avios, particularly when spending on British Airways flights and BA Holidays. Additionally, the card appeals to customers who value extra travel benefits such as the Companion Voucher and comprehensive travel insurance.
If you regularly travel either for business or leisure and appreciate a rewards scheme that enhances your travel experiences, this card may be a suitable option.
What rewards and programs does the card offer?
The rewards programme of the British Airways American Express® Premium Plus Card is built around the accumulation of Avios. Cardholders earn an accelerated rate of 3 Avios per £1 spent on British Airways and BA Holidays purchases, while other purchases earn 1.5 Avios per £1.
In addition, the card offers a lucrative welcome bonus of 30,000 bonus Avios when a spending threshold is met in the initial three months.
Furthermore, inviting friends to join can earn up to an additional 90,000 bonus Avios annually. The rewards are designed to make every purchase count, turning everyday expenses into future travel opportunities and additional benefits such as exclusive companion offers.
Initial credit limit
The initial credit limit for the card is determined by a range of factors including the applicant’s credit history and income. However, the actual credit limit may vary depending on individual circumstances.
This feature offers flexibility to customers who might have varying spending needs and credit profiles.
Key features include:
- Minimum credit limit: Typically starting from an assumed level, around £1,200.
- Maximum credit limit: Determined on a case-by-case basis, influenced by creditworthiness and spending patterns.
Step by step to apply for the card
Applying for the British Airways American Express® Premium Plus Card is a streamlined process designed for convenience. The steps below outline the application process:
- Check your eligibility – Confirm that you meet all the prerequisites, including age, residency, and credit history requirements.
- Access the online application form – Visit the official card page where you can fill out your application.
- Complete the application – Provide the necessary personal and financial details as prompted by the form.
- Submit the application – Once all information is verified, submit your application online.
- Receive your response – In many cases, applicants receive a decision in less than 60 seconds.
- Await card delivery – If approved, the card will be sent to you by post along with detailed activation instructions.
Card’s pros’ and cons’
The British Airways American Express® Premium Plus Card has several notable advantages that make it attractive to frequent flyers.
Its accelerated rewards programme, particularly the 3X Avios earning rate on British Airways and BA Holidays purchases, provides a significant boost in rewards for those who frequently travel with these providers.
The inclusion of a generous welcome bonus, along with the annual opportunity to earn a Companion Voucher, further enhances its appeal by providing additional travel benefits. Moreover, the flexible instalment plans under the Plan It scheme allow users to manage larger purchases without incurring unpredictable interest charges.
On the downside, the card does come with a high annual fee of £300, which may deter those who do not travel frequently enough to benefit from the rewards offered. In addition, the representative APR is notably high at 138.5% variable, which suggests that carrying a balance on the card can be very expensive.
The purchase rate at 30.4% variable is also relatively steep, meaning that responsible use and prompt repayment are essential to avoid substantial finance charges.
These factors mean that while the card offers excellent rewards for travellers, it may not be the most suitable option for everyone, particularly those who are less frequent travellers or those who carry a balance from month to month.
How to unlock the card?
Upon receiving the British Airways American Express® Premium Plus Card, the unlocking process is straightforward and designed to ensure the security of your account. Initially, the card is delivered by post along with a set of instructions.
To unlock it, you must first review the accompanying documentation, which provides detailed steps on the activation process. Typically, you will be asked to either call a dedicated activation hotline or log into your online account on the American Express website.
Following the provided instructions, you may need to verify personal information and confirm your identity. Once these steps are completed, the card will be activated and ready for use.
It is essential to follow all security guidelines to ensure that the activation process is smooth and that your account remains secure.
Fees and tariffs
Understanding the fees and tariffs associated with the British Airways American Express® Premium Plus Card is crucial for managing your finances effectively. Below is a summary of the main costs involved:
- Annual fee: £300, which is charged once a year.
- Representative APR: 138.5% variable, which applies to the overall credit product.
- Purchase rate: 30.4% variable, applicable on all purchases made with the card.
- Plan It instalment fees: A fixed fee is charged upfront for spreading the cost of purchases of £100 or more into monthly instalments. No additional credit checks are required for this feature.
- Other fees: Additional charges such as late payment fees or over-limit fees may apply according to the card’s terms and conditions, so it is advisable to review these details carefully before application.
Customer service
American Express provides a range of customer service channels for cardholders seeking assistance or further information. The official channels include telephone support, an informative website, email communication, and an online chat service.
These avenues are designed to offer prompt and helpful responses to queries related to the card and other American Express services. Below are the key customer service contacts:
- Phone number: For immediate assistance, call American Express customer service on 0800 917 9146.
- Website: Visit American Express for comprehensive information and support.
- Email: Queries can be sent to [email protected] for detailed responses.
- Online chat: Access the live chat option available on the official website for real-time assistance.